Apple, like many other companies, recognizes the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements and its potential impact on their business. While Apple is still exploring the role of AI in its operations, one thing is clear: the company is actively seeking to attract more generative AI experts to join its ranks.
Since April 27, Apple has posted multiple job ads on its career page, specifically targeting professionals with expertise in generative AI and machine learning. The Cupertino-based company is eager to hire individuals who are passionate about developing exceptional autonomous systems in this field. The recent job postings indicate Apple’s commitment to embracing generative AI, with the most recent listings published earlier this week.
These hiring efforts come amidst mixed signals from Apple regarding generative AI. During the Q2 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook neither confirmed nor dismissed the company’s activities in this area, emphasizing a deliberate and thoughtful approach. However, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple has limited the use of external generative AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, due to concerns about proprietary data leakage.
While these restrictions are not unique to Apple and have been implemented by several other companies, third-party apps are increasingly incorporating generative AI elements. In fact, OpenAI recently released its own ChatGPT iOS app, and Apple is reportedly working on its own generative AI products. The recruitment of more generative AI experts may serve the purpose of supporting these initiatives.
The job openings are available in various teams, including Integrated System Experience, Input Experience NLP, Machine Learning R&D, and the Technology Development Group. These teams are spread across locations in San Diego, the Bay Area, and Seattle.
Some roles within these teams specifically focus on visual generative AI applications, where machine learning experts will contribute to developing applications in computational photography, image and video editing, 3D shape and motion reconstruction, and avatar generation.
Although the specific projects these new hires will work on remain undisclosed, it is not surprising that Apple is making a concerted effort to attract generative AI talent. The company has a history of pioneering consumer AI applications, with the launch of Siri as a voice assistant for the iPhone back in 2011. Over the years, Apple has been proactive in identifying and recruiting AI experts from various sources, including other companies, startups, and academic institutions.
However, in the recent wave of technological advancements led by companies like OpenAI, Midjourney, and Stability.AI, Apple, along with Google and Amazon, has been perceived as lagging behind. These companies are making significant progress in generative AI, enabling systems to generate detailed responses based on extensive information.
Recognizing the need to catch up, Apple, in its unique way, aims to bring its distinctive approach to the table. Previous efforts by Apple in AI technology, particularly in the visual AI domain, have emphasized on-device processing, privacy, and the development of developer tools.
Apple’s upcoming developer-focused event, WWDC, scheduled for next month, holds the potential for significant announcements in the generative AI domain. In addition to anticipated software launches for iPhone and iPad, many anticipate that Apple might unveil details about its long-awaited AR/VR headset.
